Anxiety and depression in patients with myocardial infarction: findings from a centre in India

Objectives: The study was conducted to assess the occurrence of anxiety and depression in patients with recent myocardial infarction (MI) and also to assess the relationship of these symptoms with other relevant factors and clinical outcome.

Methods: A total of 103 patients with recent MI attending the cardiology outpatient department (OPD) of a tertiary care centre in India were included. The patients were evaluated using Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), and pertinent demographic and clinical parameters were recorded. The patients were followed up at 12 weeks telephonically to ascertain outcome.

Results: Significant anxiety and depressive symptoms were present in 48.5% and 25.2% of the sample. Anxiety or depressive disorder diagnosis was present in 25.2% of the sample. Aspirin use predicted lower anxiety and depressive symptom scores. A multivariate linear regression showed that female sex, history of angina and use of aspirin independently predicted scores on HAM-A. Diagnosis of psychiatric disorder, use of aspirin and increased body mass index also independently predicted scores on HAM-D.

Conclusions: There is a need to screen for anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients with MI, so that appropriate intervention can be incorporated in the management plan.